By Abdisalam Ali Farah (Biligsey)
In 2011, at the height of a devastating famine and two decades after the collapse of the Somali state, a remarkable moment unfolded in Mogadishu. A high-level delegation led by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan—then Prime Minister of Türkiye—arrived in a city still gripped by insecurity and despair. Accompanied by key ministers and his wife, Emine Erdoğan, his visit broke diplomatic convention and signaled something deeper than humanitarian concern: solidarity.
For many Somalis, that visit was more than symbolic. It marked the beginning of a renewed chapter in Somalia’s engagement with the world. While others observed from afar, Türkiye chose to stand on Somali soil.
From Humanitarian Aid to State-Building
Since 2011, Türkiye has played a visible role in supporting Somalia’s recovery:
1) Education: Hundreds of Somali students received scholarships to study in Türkiye, building a new generation of professionals and public servants.
2) Security Sector Reform: Thousands of Somali military cadets were trained both in Somalia and in Türkiye, contributing to the rebuilding of national security institutions.
3) Healthcare: A modern hospital was constructed in Mogadishu—today known as the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Training and Research Hospital—symbolizing long-term commitment rather than short-term relief.
These initiatives demonstrated that Türkiye’s involvement extended beyond emergency aid toward institutional rebuilding.
The Federal Reality of Somalia
However, Somalia’s political landscape today is fundamentally shaped by the bitter legacy of civil war. The once multi-clan cosmopolitan character of Mogadishu was fractured by conflict. Communities were displaced internally and externally; some sought refuge in neighboring countries, while others returned to ancestral regions. From this fragmentation emerged the current Federal Member States.
Türkiye, whose own governance model historically reflects a unitary state tradition, naturally engages the internationally recognized Federal Government in Mogadishu. Yet Somalia’s federal arrangement requires delicate balance. Concentrating engagement primarily in the capital risks perceptions—rightly or wrongly—of uneven partnership among member states.
The Risk of Personalization of Power
History teaches Somalis painful lessons about centralized authority. The collapse of the Somali state in 1991 followed years of authoritarian governance under Siad Barre. The scars of that era remain fresh in collective memory.
External partners, even when acting in good faith, must be mindful not to inadvertently empower individuals at the expense of institutions. Sustainable partnerships are built not around personalities but around systems—transparent governance, accountable leadership, and equitable development across regions.
A partnership perceived as aligned with a particular political figure risks losing the broader goodwill of the Somali people. Conversely, a neutral and institution-focused approach strengthens trust nationwide.
Toward a More Inclusive Partnership
An enduring Türkiye–Somalia socio-economic relationship should rest on several pillars:
1) Institutional Neutrality: Support constitutional processes and federal frameworks without appearing partisan.
2) Equitable Development: Extend socio-economic investments beyond Mogadishu to Federal Member States.
3) Capacity Building Over Personal Alliances: Strengthen civil service systems, judicial independence, and local governance.
4) People-to-People Diplomacy: Expand scholarships, cultural exchanges, and business partnerships that bind societies—not just governments.
Somalis, after more than three decades of instability, are weary of cycles of strongman politics. They aspire to durable institutions, accountable leadership, and inclusive governance.
A Shared Future
The friendship between Türkiye and Somalia is rooted in a moment of courage during crisis. That goodwill remains strong. But for this partnership to endure, it must evolve from humanitarian solidarity into balanced, inclusive, and politically sensitive engagement.
As elders and citizens reflect on Somalia’s long journey, the appeal is simple: let no well-intentioned ally become entangled in domestic political rivalries or inadvertently reinforce authoritarian tendencies. Let the relationship serve the Somali people as a whole.
If nurtured carefully, the Türkiye–Somalia partnership can become not merely a story of aid, but a model of respectful, long-term cooperation—an enduring bond between two nations shaped by resilience, faith, and mutual respect.
Abdisalam Ali Farah (Biligsey)
Email: biligsey2005@gmail.com